Here’s a reminder that the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County is celebrating National Cat Day Tuesday by initiating a “Cans for Cats” fundraiser during the month of November. “Cans for Cats” will benefit the spay-and-neuter procedure of free-roaming feral cats in the area. ARF is collecting returnable bottles and cans through Nov. 30. Ten-cent cans and bottles may …

Kraft foods is recalling about 735,000 cases of its cheese. The company recalled its Kraft and Polly-O string cheese because they may spoil before their Best When Used By code dates – which leads to discoloration. The products were dated from October 25th, 2013, to February 11, 2014. The cheese was shipped to Kraft customers across the United States. Kraft …

James Herbert “Jim” Shively, age 91, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2013 at the Bowman House. He was born in Three Rivers on March 8, 1922 the son of the late Harry W. and Agnes M. (Albrecht) Shively. Jim spent most of his education in the Three Rivers Public Schools. He served his country in …

Ethan Clark “Steve” Stienbarger, age 23, of Mendon died on Saturday Oct. 26, 2013. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on Jan. 7, 1990 the son of Randy and Betty (Wilds) Stienbarger and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High School in 2008 where he was active in track, cross country and the wrestling programs. He …

Robert R. (Bob) Wolfinger, age 91, of Burr Oak, passed away Saturday, October 26th, 2013 at his home. Bob was born in Constantine, MI on October 27, 1921, a son of Samson and Amanda (Smith) Wolfinger. Bob attended School in Constantine, MI and served in the U.S. Army during WW II serving in the European Campaign in Africa, Sicily and …

Jaamil (handsome) Naeem (blessing) Drayton passed on Oct. 20, 2013 at the all too young age of four. Only God could’ve inspired a name for such a “Beautiful Blessing.” Jaamil truly epitomized what beauty is inside and out. He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents, Herbert and Yvette Drayton; his brother, Christopher; his sister, Kaamil; his niece, Kamaariah; his …

A former LaGrange County man suspected of setting fire to Welch’s Steak and Ribs in 2009 entered a plea of no contest during his appearance in St. Joseph County Circuit Court Wednesday. Nathan Lumbard, 31, entered the plea in response to the charge of arson in exchange for a plea bargain reached with the county prosecutor’s office. For the charge …

A full-size pickup truck was reported stolen this week from a residence in White Pigeon Township. State police investigators said a 2008 Toyota Tundra was taken between 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 1500 block of Lake Road. The vehicle was parked inside a pole barn and features an extended cab, four doors and …

Annette Smitley has been named the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District employee of the year. An educational consultant, Smitley plays a key role in professional development for new teachers as well as mentor training. Other nominees for the award were school nurse Kim Robertson, speech therapist Lynelle Garvey, assistant instructor Karrie Frederick and office assistant Mandy Dodson.

A 37-year-old White Pigeon man was arrested Thursday night after Sturgis police attempted to stop him for not having lights on his bicycle. The incident occurred in the area of North Clay and Washington Streets. The subject attempted to ride away after police activated emergency lights. The subject then got off his bicycle and ran. After a lengthy foot pursuit, …